Carl H. Sjogren

Kittery, Maine — Carl Herbert “Herb” Sjögren, 93, died peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Durgin Pines. Herb was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, on December 17, 1930, to Swedish immigrants, Karl Gunnar Emanuel Sjögren and Elsa Martina Sjögren (nèe Lövstrand). In the mid-1940’s, the family relocated to Auburn, Massachusetts. 

Upon completion of high school, Herb enlisted in the Army, serving overseas in Germany. While on leave, his travels took him to Sweden and other parts of Europe. Once in the states, he matriculated in a business-degree program at Becker Junior College, Worcester, MA. By 1956, Herb graduated as Valedictorian, earning an AAB degree in accounting. In addition, he received several accolades for coursework in the discipline of English. Herb started his career at Houghton Mifflin [Harcourt], in Cambridge, MA, while taking courses at Boston University, Boston, MA. 

The happiest moment for Herb in 1956, however, was what he expressed in a May, 2024 interview: “I met my wife on a blind date and married her because she was such a good person.” As a result of their “blind date” and courtship to follow, Carl H. Sjogren married the love of his life, Dorothy A. “Ann” Schünmann, on January 31, 1957. 

The couple resided in Worcester, MA, where Herb embarked on a long-term career in the shoe industry, holding the position of purchasing agent. In 1959, Herb and Ann started a family, later settling in Millbury, MA. Ten years later, they welcomed their fifth and final child. By 1971, they moved to West Brookfield, MA. 

Then, in 1974, the family moved to York, Maine—a place they could truly call home. By the late 1970’s, Herb left the shoe trade and entered the machinery industry, working as a purchasing agent for Jarvis Cutting Tools, in Rochester, New Hampshire. He maintained this position, until retirement. 

Herb worked tirelessly to support his family, and often voiced his desire to do more for them, which included the wish to take his wife and children on a European tour; however, what he shared with his family, his friends, and his community reflects what Herb regarded to be the most meaningful prospect of all—everlasting life on a restored, earthly paradise. 

During that May, 2024 interview, Herb declared: “I am a Jehovah’s Witness…I check things; I want to make sure what I believe is the truth.” With fervent conviction, he stated: “I have a strong belief in the future…I’ll see my wife again, and see my siblings…and people from the distant past, because that’s the truth.” 

Herb’s steadfast faith and love of people moved him to have an active part in ministering to others, formally and informally. Nine days prior to taking his last breath, Herb expressed to his nurse in a weakened voice: “There is a better world in store; there is a Creator.” In turn, his nurse thanked him for his community service. We thank you for your service, too.

Herb had a deep love and affection for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was moved to share his love of animals and the outdoors, as it instilled a deep reverence for creation and his Creator. For this reason, Job 26:14 became one of Herb’s favorite Scriptures:

Look! These are just the fringes of his ways; 

Only a faint whisper has been heard of him! 

So who can understand his mighty thunder?

While Herb had an appreciation for variety of musical genres, he preferred classical music. As a boy returning home from school, Herb would often turn on the Hi-Fi, play a classical piece, and simulate the head, arm, and hand motions of a maestro! Among his favorite composers and compositions, respectively, is Antonin Dvorak and his opus, “Symphony No. 9 in E Minor.” 

Herb was a voracious reader and lifelong student, taking great delight in sharing spiritual gems, a storehouse of knowledge, and witty jokes—in that order. Since March, 2020, he rarely missed bi-weekly, virtual meetings of worship. On a periodic basis until the age of 92, Herb delivered five-minute public readings from the Bible. To further sharpen his mind, he eagerly tackled his daily Mensa crossword puzzle, and then challenged others with given clues. On a lighthearted note, Herb looked forward to reading and sharing the “Joke-of-the-Day,” as it made him happy to see and hear the laughter of his listeners.

Herb’s love of people was also shown by his resolve to remember their names. He used memory hooks and later compiled a roster of names in a notebook. When others would remark on his memory in this regard, Herb would sing or cite two lines from Cheers theme song, “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came.”

On a closing note, Herb was an honest, hard-working, and giving man, who was guided by Christian values and principles. He loved his Creator, making known his name, Jehovah. Herb was loved by many and will be sorely missed, as evidenced by the following remarks: 

“Such a humble man and good example for all of us.”

“I was in awe of his ability to deal with people. He was committed to the end.” 

“Herb was one in a million.” 

“Loved working with him and hearing him chat with people. Even his jokes. What a gem.”

“He was such a sweet guy; the world has a hole in it where he stood…he will be remembered.”

“He was such a gentle, kind, and soft-spoken brother and friend. I will miss him dearly.”

“I will miss his gentle encouragement and the way he always made people feel loved and valued. A true gentleman and wonderful brother!”

“Our admiration for Herb’s determination and mild manner as a faithful brother will continue.”

“Most people go through life unaware of the hearts they have touched; that moment is treasured forever. That’s how I feel about your Dad.”

Carl H. Sjögren was preceded in death by his parents, “Gunnar” and Elsa Sjögren; his wife, Dorothy A. Sjögren (nèe Schünmann); ten-year-old sister, Elsie Eleanor Sjögren; and brother, Roy Gunnard Sjögren. 

Herb is survived by three sisters: Marlene Marie Sjögren Holdridge; Juliann Martina Sjögren Solomon; and Carole Ingrid Sjögren Stephanides; son, Peter H. Sjögren; daughter, Carla E. Banow (Matthew); son, Douglas C. Sjögren (Jacqueline); daughter, Kirsten M. Warner (Ronald); and daughter, Sarah A. Brown (David); grandson, Joshua Larimar; grandson, Russell Kagiliery; and granddaughter, Treasure Nash; granddaughter, Erika Sjögren-Panciera (Peter); granddaughters, Anneliese Sjögren (Zihan Wei) and Edeline Sjögren (Joel Hanson); granddaughter, Lindsay A. Warner-Wagner (Brandon Wagner); and grandson, Jonathan C. Warner (Amber Gilbert); grandson, Kevin Russell; granddaughter, Danielle Rodriguez (Michael); grandson, Colton Russell; and granddaughter, Kelly Brown; great-granddaughters, Lilian, Sarai, and Emma Rodriguez; great-grandson, Oskar Panciera; and great-granddaughter, Ingrid Panciera; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

SERVICES

On Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., a memorial service for Carl H. Sjögren will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 14 Dennett Rd., Kittery, Maine 03904. 

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